New ink fragrance in old times

For several days, Lin Mo's life seemed to be pulled by invisible ropes, tightly revolving around sweet potatoes. From the first light of dawn to the falling night, his world seemed to be filled with only the color and smell of sweet potatoes.

At first, when Grandma Zhao Yue'e suggested that everyone make vermicelli together, Lin Mo was full of curiosity and enthusiasm.

After all, for him, this is not only a rare experience, but also a heritage of traditional craftsmanship.

However, as time went by, the novelty gradually faded, replaced by the fatigue and numbness of repetitive work day after day. Every morning, Lin Mo had to crawl out of the warm bed to face the day's work.

"Sanlang, come and help us, we have to hurry and wash the sweet potatoes."

Zhao Yue'e's voice came from the courtyard, a bit forced. Lin Mo responded and stood at the sink again. Looking at the pile of sweet potatoes waiting to be washed, he couldn't help but feel powerless. The key was that he couldn't escape the fate of endorsing.

Lin Mo's hands became red and sensitive due to prolonged contact with sweet potatoes and cold water, and sometimes even felt a dull pain.

"Shiro, when do you think this kind of life will end?"

While scrubbing the sweet potatoes vigorously, Lin Mo complained to Lin Sizhe beside him.

Lin Sizhe's face was also filled with fatigue, and his movements slowed down. "Brother, I can't hold on any longer. My hands hurt. Didn't grandma say today is the last day?"

Lin Mo smiled bitterly and said, "Young man, you are too naive. You can't trust what adults say."

As the two were talking, Zhao Yue'e said, "Sanlang, Silang, today is indeed the last day of making potato starch."

These words were like a warm current that instantly warmed the hearts of Lin Mo and Lin Sizhe, and their eyes lit up again.

Lin Mo forced a smile. He felt that as long as he could get through today, everything would be fine. Life was becoming more and more promising, which was great.

"Grandma, is that true? Then can we take a break?" Lin Sizhe's tone was full of excitement and anticipation.

However, Zhao Yue'e's next words were like a bucket of cold water, extinguishing the fire of hope that had just ignited in them: "You don't have to wash the ganchu tomorrow. After these are dried, we can make vermicelli."

Lin Mo's smile froze instantly. He had thought that after washing the sweet potatoes, peeling them, grinding them into pulp, filtering and settling them, he would have the sweet potato starch he usually eats, and then he could easily and happily enjoy the result.

Unexpectedly, this was only the first step in a long journey, and there were more tedious and complicated processes waiting for him to overcome.

"Grandma, why is it so difficult to make vermicelli?"

Lin Sizhe couldn't help but complain, his tone full of grievance.

Zhao Yue'e stopped what she was doing, looked at her grandson lovingly, smiled and shook her head, "Silang, there's no rush for this. Success is never that easy. But how about I make you something you've never tasted before? I guarantee it'll be even better than vermicelli noodles."

When Lin Sizhe heard this, his eyes lit up immediately, and his previous fatigue seemed to be swept away: "Okay, okay! Grandma's cooking must be delicious!"

He clapped his hands excitedly and started working again, completely unaware that he had been completely controlled by Zhao Yue'e's little trick.

Zhao Yue'e looked at her grandson's revitalized appearance and secretly laughed in her heart, but continued to encourage him, "Yes, yes, our little Silang is the best! When it's ready, grandma will give it to you first to taste it."

Lin Sizhe worked even harder, and while busy he didn't forget to ask, "Grandma, what delicious food are you going to make? Tell me quickly!"

Zhao Yue'e smiled mysteriously and said, "It's a secret. You'll know it later. But if you don't cook it carefully, you won't be able to eat it."

When Lin Sizhe heard this, he worked even harder and hummed a little tune.

Zhao Yue'e straightened her aching lumbar spine, smiled and looked at Lin Sizhe, Tang Qing and others who were helping but looked a little tired, and said gently: "After you finish washing this basin, go play."

Lin Sizhe, Tang Qing and Lin Mo looked at each other with disbelief in their eyes, as if they couldn't believe their ears.

Lin Sizhe spoke first: "Grandma, are you serious? Can we really go out and play?"

Zhao Yue'e smiled and nodded, her tone firm: "Of course it's true. When has grandma ever lied to you? Go and take a shower. After you're done, you can go out and relax."

Tang Qing couldn't contain his joy and echoed, "That's great, thank you grandma!"

Zhao Yue'e also said to Xing'er and Hua'er beside her: "Xing'er, Hua'er, you two should take them out for a walk later. Don't run too far, okay?"

Xing'er immediately responded, "I understand, Grandma, we will take good care of them."

Huaer also added excitedly: "Yes, yes, we can go to the river to play!"

Zhao Yue'e: "You are not allowed to go into the river, do you understand?"

Xing Er: "I understand, grandma."

Zhao Yue'e reminded him again: "Remember, don't run too far, come back early to eat."

Everyone answered in unison: "Got it, Grandma!"

Xing'er and Hua'er led Lin Mo, Lin Sizhe, Tang Qing and a few little followers, laughing and talking all the way, and soon arrived at the clear river beside the village.

The river gurgles, willows sway on the bank, and the breeze blows, bringing a hint of coolness, making people feel relaxed and happy.

The environment here is really nice. I have walked past here many times but never noticed it.

Lin Mo exclaimed in admiration, his eyes scanning the surroundings, and soon noticed a group of children gathered by the river. They were chasing and playing, playing hide-and-seek, or gathering together to play in the sand, laughing and talking happily.

It seems that this is the gathering place for children in the village.

Tang Qing also noticed this and an expression of envy appeared on his face.

Lin Sizhe and his friends quickly found their playmates and became friends with them.

Lin Mo's eyes moved through the crowd, and suddenly, he saw a familiar figure - Hu Zi.

Hu Zi was playing with sand with a group of children. He suddenly raised his head and noticed Lin Mo. He immediately dropped the sand in his hand and ran towards Lin Mo.

"Douzi! You're here!" Hu Zi shouted excitedly, his voice trembling with excitement.

However, at this moment, Niu Zi, who was standing beside Hu Zi, blocked Hu Zi's way. He grabbed Hu Zi's clothes tightly and said sternly, "Brother, grandma said you can't play with him."

When Hu Zi heard this, his brows immediately furrowed. He shook Niu Zi's hand away and said angrily, "Why? Dou Zi is my good friend. Why can't I play with him?"

Niu Zi staggered after being thrown by Hu Zi, but he still said stubbornly: "Brother, grandma told us to have less contact with his family anyway."

When Hu Zi heard this, he became even angrier. He glared at Niu Zi and said, "Nonsense! I just want to play with Dou Zi."

After saying that, Hu Zi no longer paid attention to Niu Zi and ran straight towards Lin Mo.

"Bean, where have you been all this time? Why haven't I seen you?"

Hu Zi ran to Lin Mo and asked impatiently.

Lin Mo smiled and said, "Hu Zi, I've been visiting relatives recently."

Hu Zi looked Lin Mo up and down, then said, "Dou Zi, I missed you so much. Why have you lost so much weight? And why have you become so darker?"

Lin Mo touched his face and said a little embarrassedly: "Really? Maybe I've been busy recently and haven't had time to rest. But it doesn't matter, it will be fine in a few days."

Huzi nodded.

Lin Mo suddenly seemed to remember something important. He patted Hu Zi's shoulder and said mysteriously, "Hu Zi, this is for you."

Hu Zi turned his head curiously and saw Lin Mo take out an exquisite little object from his pocket and handed it to him.

It was a small flute carefully carved from acorn shells. Its surface was polished smooth and delicate, revealing a faint wood luster, and it looked very unique.

"what is this?"

Hu Zi took the flute, looked left and right, his face full of confusion.

"This is an acorn flute. I made it myself. I'm giving it to you."

Lin Mo smiled and said with pride in his eyes: "I learned this from my cousin. I was bored at home, so I thought of making a little gadget for you. I hope you like it."